Srinagar: Eid-ul-Fitr was celebrated with religious fervour, enthusiasm and communal harmony across Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday, with thousands of devotees offering special prayers at mosques and Eidgahs to mark the culmination of the holy month of Ramadan.
Eid prayers were offered peacefully throughout the Kashmir Valley and the Jammu region, with no reports of any untoward incident from anywhere. Elaborate security arrangements were put in place by the authorities to ensure the smooth conduct of prayers at all major congregations.
In the summer capital Srinagar, the largest gathering was witnessed at the revered Hazratbal Shrine, where a large number of devotees, including several senior political leaders, offered prayers. The shrine witnessed a steady stream of faithful since early morning, with many braving the chilly weather to participate in the congregational prayers.
Due to inclement weather conditions prevailing across the Valley, most Eid congregations were held in local mosques rather than open grounds, sources said. However, arrangements were also made at designated Eidgahs in some districts to accommodate the faithful.
Inspector General of Police Kashmir, V. K. Birdi, on Saturday said that elaborate security and traffic arrangements had been put in place across the Kashmir Zone to ensure smooth and peaceful Eid celebrations.
Talking to media, the IGP said that Jammu and Kashmir Police have deployed adequate security personnel in all districts where Eid congregational prayers were scheduled, adding that the aim was to ensure that people could offer Eid prayers peacefully and return to their homes without any inconvenience.
He further said that special focus had been laid on traffic management as a large number of people travel to Eidgahs and major mosques, leading to congestion in many areas.
He added that all police stations had been directed to work in close coordination with Traffic Police to ensure smooth vehicular movement and public convenience.
The IGP appealed to the public to cooperate with police and traffic authorities and follow advisories so that Eid celebrations pass peacefully across Kashmir.
Meanwhile, Mehbooba Mufti extended Eid greetings to the people and called for special prayers for the Muslim Ummah, particularly those facing hardships in Palestine, Lebanon and Iran.
She expressed regret that during a gathering she attended, prayers were not offered for Palestine, Lebanon or Iran, and said that Eid prayers should include prayers for the people of Jammu and Kashmir and the entire Muslim Ummah, especially those suffering due to conflict and hardship.
Mehbooba appealed to people to extend help and support to those in need, saying that this is a time to show unity, compassion and solidarity with the suffering Muslim Ummah across the world.
In her message on the occasion of Eid, she said that while people celebrate the festival after the holy month of Ramadan, they should also remember those across the Muslim world who are going through difficult times and pray for relief and peace for them.